Additional tests needed to determine cause of 16-year-old’s death
Additional tests are needed to determine the cause of death for a 16-year-old boy who died in a local hospital shortly after a sparring match at Pullman’s Gym in Burbank, officials said Tuesday.
An autopsy was completed for Raul Alvarez Jr., but the results were deferred to allow doctors to perform more tests, which could take eight to 10 weeks, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s officials.
After complaining of pain Thursday at Pullman’s at about 6:45 p.m., he was taken to ProvidenceSt. Joseph Medical Center, where he suddenly fell unconscious and died, police said.
The North Hollywood teen was wearing protective gear on his head and lower body when he sparred with another boxer of about the same age and build, police said. Gym staffers were also monitoring the match.
It is unknown if the teen had any previous medical conditions, police said.
A manager at Pullman’s could not be reached Tuesday, but a message posted on the gym’s Facebook page said the owners were accepting donations from the public to help the family with funeral costs.
-- Veronica Rocha, Times Community News